A look at two candidates vying for the vacant city of Dunnellon council seat
DUNNELLON — In August, Jan Cubbage told her fellow elected colleagues she was resigning her Dunnellon City Council seat because, among other reasons, she wasn't pleased with that they had declined to take on the environmentally sensitive Nine Island Cove land.
Two people have expressed an interest in serving out Cubbage's term. To be eligible for the post, candidates must be a resident of the city and a registered voter.
If selected, the new city council member would serve the remaining time of Cubbage's term and, if they desire, run for election in November 2024. The job pays $150 a month and council members serve four-year terms.
On Monday, Oct. 2, city officials plan to discuss the topic at its workshop meeting. Here's a look at the candidates:
Art Jones
According to his application, Jones said he has been a registered voter since 2018. He said he works at One Rake at a Time, a nonprofit organization, in a non-paid volunteer role.
Jones said he has a degree in math and organic chemistry, is a former vice president of Save Crystal River and is a graduate of Leadership Citrus 2009.
Presently, Jones said he doesn't hold any public office or serve on any city of Dunnellon boards.
Speaking briefly with the Star-Banner about why he applied for the spot, Jones said he believes the city council should be "a cheerleader" and take the lead on caring for the Rainbow River. He added he'll see what happens on Monday.
Adam J. Nichols
Nichols said in his resume that he has been a registered voter since 2001. He said he was a U.S. Army service member from 2000 to 2020.
While in the military, Nichols held many positions including coordinated equipment fielding and decommissioning for base realignment and closure, which was a $3 billion project. He served worldwide in combat and peace keeping forces and maintained accountability and use for multiple hand receipts for more than $7 million worth of equipment.
Cubbage's column: Dunnellon will be irreparably harmed by turnpike extension through southwest Marion County
He lists public speaking, problem solving and decision making as some of his many skills and attributes. He's presently a full-time student at University of Maryland Global Campus, studying for a master's degree in business administration.
Nichols said he's born and raised in Dunnellon and his family has been in the area for several generations. As for why he wants to be on the council, he said Dunnellon "holds a special place in my heart," and he "wants to give back to my hometown." He also said he "wants to be active in the community."
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Two residents looking to fill the empty city of Dunnellon seat
